Glen Rose, a Texas town of roughly 2,700 residents, is punching above its weight in tourism by offering attractions that include 98 uniquely painted dinosaurs and a moat-equipped amphitheater, according to the latest episode of The Building Texas Show. Hosted by Justin McKenzie and published June 25, 2026, the episode features Traci Niedziela, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, who explains why 28% of Texans live within a 90-minute drive yet most have never stopped past the state park exit. The episode reframes Glen Rose as a full weekend destination, not a quick day trip.
Niedziela details a citywide scavenger hunt featuring 98 painted dinosaurs, each representing a local business. “For example, the hospital has a doctor in front of it, the dinosaur is painted like a doctor. Our school district has a tiger, that's our school mascot, so the dinosaur is painted like a tiger,” she said. Players scan a QR code at any hotel or the visitor center to unlock rewards including Fossil Rim entry passes, Dinosaur World tickets, and free ice cream at Shoo Fly.
Other attractions include Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, which recently welcomed baby giraffes and a baby zebra born in February; Dinosaur Valley State Park; Dinosaur World; and the new animatronic Rex Ann installed at the visitor center. The Texas Amphitheater is staging The Little Mermaid in June over an actual water moat. Two rivers, Big Rocks Park, and Paluxy River cabin stays such as Anderson Creek Cabins also draw visitors.
The economic backbone behind the town’s five major hotels is the nearby Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, which drives midweek corporate retreat and conference demand Sunday through Thursday, propping up lodging capacity for weekend leisure travelers. Niedziela and McKenzie also discuss Leadership Glen Rose, the hospitality training culture among local businesses, and the visibility of Mayor Joe Bowles, who stopped by Niedziela’s office moments before recording to plan a July 4th parade, dunk tank, and hot dog eating contest. The town’s 250th birthday weekend will close with a fireworks show reflected over Wheeler Branch Park’s water.
For planning details, listeners can visit ExploreGlenRose.com. The episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
